The Stone Witch of Florence is an enjoyable and complex historical fiction novel that
follows its protagonist, Ginevra di Gasparo, during the time of The Plague in Florence,
Italy. We meet Ginevra as a young girl in Genoa, around the year 1330. The historical
background of her city and the things that changed during The Plague make a fascinating
read. During this time, Ginevra attracts the attention of Monna Vermilia, a woman known
for her special healing powers. Monna Vermilia helps Ginevra realize her unusual aptitude
for working with magical gemstones and helping others. Eventually, Vermilia sends Ginevra
off to work in a Florence nunnery, where she will be supervised by Vermilia’s sister.
Unfortunately, Ginevra is eventually exiled as a witch, and returns to Genoa.
The next part of the story is a mystery, in which Ginevra is summoned back to Florence
to help catch a thief who is stealing the relics out of village churches. In return, she is
hoping to clear her name and to be recognized as a member of the Guild of Doctors,
Apothecaries, and Grocers. The historical information about the relics and the guild is
riveting, and so is the plot of this mystery.
The number of characters in this story and the development of their personalities were
pleasing to me. I enjoyed their interaction and this mystery very much, and am thankful
to Harlequin Trade Publishing for making this title available on Netgalley. In other words,
I recommend this novel!
